15 Days Experience a Highland Train Riding to Tibet

Day 1

Arrival Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the Capital city of China. Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.
Meals: No meals
Accommodation: In Beijing

Beijing, China's capital and one of the great travel destinations of the World, offers sights and cultural relics found no where else on Earth. The city has a character all its own; there are quadrangles, small alleys, tricycle, boiled mutton, roasted duck, arts and crafts, Peking Opera, The Great Wall, the 2008 Olympics venue and a vibrancy that is the distinctive flavor of Beijing.
 

Day 2

Beijing
Depart from your hotel in the morning to visit Tian'anmen Square, the World's largest urban square and the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Then visit the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Peking Opera is available for your optional night entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

As the biggest city center square in the world, Tian’anmen Square covering 44 hectares in the heart of Beijing. It is the place where history-changing events and ceremonies occurred. A few steps away, come to visit the Forbidden City, which was the Imperial Palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and, it is one of the largest, and certainly the most completely restored, ancient architectural complex in the world. Walk in the footsteps of Emperors; come to the museum and see with your eyes, and feel with your hearts; you’ll begin understand what life in this richest of feudal realms was like for the Imperial Rulers, their concubines and their slaves.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, continue on to the Temple of Heaven. Departing from the Imperial vermilion and gold hues of the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven is decorated in blue, the color of the Heavens. The perfect harmony between the architectural environment and nature can be felt here; you might easily imagine the vivid spectacle of a great sacrifice to the Heavens for a good harvest. The magnificent Hall of Prayer of Good Harvest is one of the most important and impressive building in China.

In the evening, we offer you an opportunity to enjoy Peking Opera. Expert performers convey powerful emotions to the audience through song, dance, facial make-up, exquisite masks and costume, skilled use of body language and sympathetically integrated musical accompaniment. 
 

Day 3

Beijing
In the morning, take a driving for 75km to visit the Great Wall (Badaling Section) first, then Ming Tombs (Changling Tomb), the once lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Peking Roasted Duck is available for your optional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

Just 75km North-west of Beijing, along a smooth and comfortable highway is the Badaling Great Wall, which is one of the best-preserved and most accessible sections. The Great Wall is an internationally admired structure, symbolic of the cruelty of the ancient rulers, and the stoicism and determination of the Chinese people. The construction of the Great Wall began in the 5th century BC.

Then, you will have chance to visit the Ming Tombs which located in the northern suburbs of Beijing. Altogether there are thirteen tombs of Ming Dynasty Emperors from the period after the capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing. You’ll visit the Changling Tomb, burial site of Emperor Yong Le, the biggest and first built at this historic site. The Lingsi Palace in Changling Tomb's second yard really deserves a visit. This is unique, a magnificent palace made of camphor wood. The ceiling is colorfully painted and supported by sixteen solid camphor posts. The floor is decorated with gold bricks. 

For today’s optional dinner, how about taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck, as it is the best-known dish in Beijing. It is very tender and unforgettably delicious. You’ll visit a local restaurant to enjoy a full meal and learn the proper way to experience Peking Roasted Duck. From the whole roasted duck to the soup of duck bones, you'll enjoy a banquet made from every part of the duck. Moreover, the chef will demonstrate his skill of cutting the skin of the duck for your entertainment.
 

Day 4

Beijing      Xian
In the morning, take a half-day Hutong Tour by rickshaw to visit the ancient lanes and alleyways of Beijing. Be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Xian.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian

If exploring the Forbidden City has improved your understanding of the lifestyles of China’s ancient Imperial Court, then this half-day Hutong Tour will give you an insight into the lives of ordinary Chinese people and reveal their social culture in today's Beijing City. The narrow streets of old Beijing are known as Hutongs. You’ll take a pedicab tour along the Hutongs and see the 100-year-old houses, courtyards and a vanishing way of life in today’s Beijing.

Wonderful time always passes so quickly, in the afternoon, you have to take a flight to Xian, the city that steeped in history and still giving up secrets, is your gateway to ancient Chinese civilization. In its 3,100 recorded years of evolution, it has been home to 13 dynasties. Xian was also the end of civilization for those setting out on the famous Silk Road. Today's Xian is a vibrant, modern city, but surrounded by history, even underfoot! So there can be no underground railways due to the obligation to preserve the wealth of ancient treasure still awaiting discovery.  
 

Day 5

Xian
After breakfast, enjoy your full day visit to the Qin Terracotta Army, one of the world's most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation and the massive Xian City Wall. After that, you can take a leisure stroll around the North Square to view the fully illuminated Big Wild Goose Pagoda. There is also the optional to attend the fantastic Tang Dynasty Show (dinner included) for a night activity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian

As an ancient capital city to 13 dynasties, Xi’an has a rich recorded history, frequently enhanced by the evidence of new discoveries, like the 1974 unearthing of the fabulous Qin Terracotta Army, the long forgotten army created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang's tomb. In accordance with ancient beliefs, this grand project was mounted at enormous cost by the cruel and tyrannical Emperor, only to be attacked, plundered, burnt and buried after his funeral by the peasants who’d labored under the whip to build it.  Then, over two thousand years later, this “Eighth Wonder of the World” was rediscovered by farmers digging a well. The fine troops, horses and carriages in battle formation are a National ancient art treasure. Three excavation pits are now opened to the public and a fourth is nearing completion.  You can, like US President Clinton, now gaze in wonder upon this historic site, listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a world cultural heritage.

The first landmark visitors will encounter in Xi'an is the ancient Xian City Wall, which stretches round the old city. Xi'an was always a walled city, and today’s wall represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.  The first city wall of Chang'an was begun in 194 BCE.  The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370; it is massive, measuring 13.7 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15–18 m in thickness at the base. The South Gate and North Gate are the two main entrances to the inner city. The city itself is neatly arranged along the city wall.  This impressive structure is just a precursor to the remarkable discoveries awaiting visitors to Xi’an. 

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade renovated during the Ming Dynasty. One of the pagoda's many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and travelers Xuanzang. Now this well-preserved holy place for Buddhist has been the symbol of Xi'an. 

Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner that was created for “emperors only” in ancient China. You'll enjoy the sumptuous dinner while watching a fabulous dancing and singing performance of the Tang Dynasty. This is not only a performance of Chinese traditional dancing and singing, but a re-enactment of Chinese ancient ceremony and culture.
 

Day 6

Xian    Xining
Finish up your Xian tour by visiting the famous Shaanxi History Museum. After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Xining.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xining

As the regional capital and doorway to the Silk Road, Xian was one of the richest, most well-protected cities in all of China. The famous Shaanxi History Museum introduces the visitor to area’s rich culture, from Emperor Qin Shihuang to the present day in this walled city. The museum is house in a striking Tang Dynasty-style pavilion and features an enormous collection of 113,000 historic and cultural relics. This is where you experience history, with chronological dynasties exhibits that take you through the ancient dynasties.

After the tour in Xian, you will have a different experience for the visiting in Xining.

As the capital city of Qinghai Province, Xining is the provincial center of politics, economy, culture, education, technology, transportation and commerce. This city lies in the eastern part of Qinghai-Tibet plateau, is one of the major gateways to the Tibetan Plateau.
 

Day 7

Xining    Qinghai Lake    Xining
After breakfast, you will start your tour to Qinghai Lake. After 2.5 hours driving, you will reach this largest inland and salty lake of China. During the way, you can have a short stop at the Sun & Moon Mountain site. In the late afternoon, be transferred back to Xining.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xining

As the largest saline lake in China, Qinghai Lake, is considered as “green lake" or "fairyland" by local folks because of the marvelous and natural beautiful reflected on it. Qinghai Lake is an important place in history which has been the traditional meeting place between Mongolian and Tibetan societies. Despite its salinity, Qinghai Lake has an abundance of fish.

The lake has a number of attractions that draw travelers in this region in. Ornithologists, campers, hikers, botanists, swimmers, sailors, fishermen, loners and nomads all find areas of interest around the lake. The beauty here lies in its salty vastness and the remote peace that it instills. The colours that can be found around the lake are of purity and contrasts, from the deep yellows of oil seed rape against the cold blues of the lake to the dark greens of distant mountains against the fluffy white of bilious clouds.

Tips: The average temperature in Qinghai Lake area is 3-5℃ lowers then Xining’s. You’d better take some thicker overcoat or long-sleeves shirt, even during the Summer time.
 

Day 8

Xining    Lhasa
Today, you will first take a 0.5 hour driving to Ta’er Monastery, one of the six grandest monasteries of Tibetan Dge Lugs School, for your half day religious tour there. After lunch, you will be transferred back to Xinning train station for your overnight train to Lhasa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: On the train

Ta’er Monastery (also called Kumbum Mosque) which is a typical religious building with a history more than 400 years. Ta’er Monastery is a wonderful architectural complex contains 9,300 structures, including Buddha halls, scripture halls, Buddhist pagodas and lamas residences.

This monastery incorporates both Tibetan and Han architectural styles. The magnificent temples and halls are, in architecture, a perfect combination of the Han's style of palace buildings with upturned roof-eaves with Tibetan style under-eave walls and decorations. The spectacular Lamasery is scattered with tall ancient trees and Buddhist pagodas.

Tips: When you enter into a temple or monastery, please take off your hats at the entrance to show your respects and follow the clockwise direction for visiting. No smoking, do not touch the Buddha statues, turn the Buddhism scriptures or toll the bell.
 

Day 9

Arrival Lhasa
Arrival at Lhasa in the afternoon, you will be met at the train station and transferred to the hotel for some good rest and acclimation.
Meals: No meals
Accommodation: In Lhasa

Lhasa is the capital of Tibet. Located at the foot of Mt. Gephel, Lhasa’s altitude is 3,490 m and the air contains only 68% of oxygen compared to sea level. Traditionally, Lhasa is the seat of the Dalai Lama, and the location of the Potala Palace and Norbulingka Palace. In Tibetan Buddhism the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa is regarded as the holiest centre in Tibet.
 

Day 10

Lhasa
After breakfast, you will enjoy a one day city tour that covers the most popular attritions in this city - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Lhasa

Tips: When you enter into a temple or monastery in Tibet, please take off your hats at the entrance to show your respects and follow the clockwise direction for visiting. No smoking, do not touch the Buddha statues, turn the Buddhism scriptures or toll the bell.

The awe-inspiring Potala Palace, perched high above much of Lhasa, is the landmark of the city. The palace which consists of the Red Palace, the White Palace and some attached buildings was a complex of political and religious function. Now it is a huge treasure house for materials and articles of Tibetan history, religion, culture and arts.

Located at the center of the old Lhasa, Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet. Built in 647 by Songtsen Gampo, it has a history of more than 1,300 years. The temple is the fine product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architecture techniques. Visitors will be treated to the sight of various exotic and sacred sculptures. Jokhang Temple also houses many invaluable cultural relics. Every year, the Great Prayer Festival is held here.

Barkhor Street is a famous commercial and commodity-distributing center in Lhasa, consisting of more than 120 handicrafts shops and more than 200 stalls. It is a good choice that should never be missed by tourists coming to Lhasa, for you can buy anything Tibet-related, from sacks of incense, chunks of yak butter to monk outfits. Barkhor is the road that pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. When walking along Barkhor Street, you should move in the clockwise direction.
 

Day 11

Lhasa    Gyangtse    Shigatse
Today, you will drive to Shigatse in the morning. On the way, you can take a short stop at the pure blue Yamdrok Lake and Palkhor Monastery. Then continue your driving to Shigatse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shigatse

Located 250 km southwest of Lhasa at an altitude of 3,840 metres, Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet, with a population of 80,000. It used to be the traditional capital of the area known as Hou-tsang on the Nepal border.

Tips: It will spend about 5 hours on the road to Shigatse, you can take some books or magazines to kill the time. Bring some snacks also a good choice to re-fill energy.

Yamdrok Lake is one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. It is located 100 km southwest of Lhasa and surrounded by Mt. Kampala, Mt. Nyinchenkhasa, Mt. Chetungsu and Mt. Changsamlhamo. The holy lake is a pilgrimage site for Tibetans. Every summer, groups of pilgrims trek there to pray and receive blessings. Befitting its religious importance, the turquoise blue lake has indescribable scenic beauty, prompting the Tibetans to compare it with a fairyland in Heaven.

Located 100 km east of Shigatse, Palkhor Monastery is a monastery with the characteristics of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture. It enjoys a high status in Tibet Buddhism history because it houses three sects - Sakyapa, Kadampa and Gelugpa together. According to Tibetan calendar, Saka Dawa Festival will be held on April 15th to commemorate Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. During the festival, about 500 Lamas chant sutras and the loyal pilgrims gather in the monastery to commemorate Sakyamuni.
 

Day 12

Shigatse    Lhasa
Today, after a visit to Tanshilumpu Monastery in the morning, you will be driven back to Lhasa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Lhasa

Founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447, Tashilumpu Monastery is one of the six big monasteries in Tibet. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second ranking person in the Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy, after the Dalai Lama. The monastery houses the tombs of Panchen Lamas and a 22.4-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha. Tanshilumpu remains popular among the Tibetans, as they carry on coming here on pilgrimage.
 

Day 13

Lhasa    Shanghai
Get up early this morning, you will have a short visit to Sera Monastery before heading to Shanghai.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai

Sera Monastery is one of the three principal Yellow Sect monasteries built in Lhasa. The setting itself is very beautiful with cobbled alleyways, temples and colleges. The highlight of visiting Sera Monastery will be watching monks debating inside the shady courtyard behind the main temple. Every day, hundreds of red-robed monks assemble in small groups and practice their debating skills.

Shanghai is a city unlike any other in China. It is the bustling economic heartbeat of China that enjoys all of the comforts and amenities of a fully modern metropolis. Shanghai today looks to regain its former position at the turn of 20th of being one of the largest financial centers in the world behind New York and London. It is a city that seamlessly blends East and West.
 

Day 14

Shanghai
Today, enjoy your full day city tour that start with the visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, then move to Yuyuan Garden, a Chinese classic garden in city downtown, and the nearby old street. Next have a bird-eye view of the city after ascending Shanghai’s new landmark- Shanghai World Financial Center in the new and fast-developing Lujiazui. After that, have a nice walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s famed waterfront promenade, will be a good idea. Tonight if you are interested you can take an Acrobatics show as the optional activity.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai
 
Today you'll find a Buddhism shrine - Jade Buddha Temple, which is located in a crowd of Shanghai City. It was first built in 1882 in Jiangwan on the southern outskirts of Shanghai. In order to make it convenient for the adherents to visit, it was bodily moved to Shanghai City at the present sire in 1918. It is named for its two bejeweled white jade Buddha. It receives thousands of visitors and worshipers everyday while keeps its sanctity and charming. Carved from a whole piece of white jade, the sitting jade Buddha statue is translucent with a solemn expression, displaying the excellent skill and extraordinary art of Chinese people.

Yuyuan Garden has a lot of stories for it was severely damaged in the 19th century and was restored in 1961. This garden was first built in the 16th century by provincial governor, Pan Yunduan, in honor of his father who was the then government minister. It has many scenic courtyards decorated with baroque rockery, pools, and flora that are all connected by corridors and passageways. The delicate design and exquisite layout of the whole garden reveals a strong impression of 'garden in the garden, whole in the part.

Shanghai World Financial Center is a super tall skyscraper in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It is a mixed use skyscraper which consists of offices, hotels, conference rooms, observation decks, and shopping malls on the ground floors. On 14 September 2007 the skyscraper was topped out at 492.0 meters (1,614.2 feet) and became the second tallest building in the world; as well as the tallest structure on mainland China, including Hong Kong.

Then it comes to the Bund, the showcase with the old buildings of colonial-era leftover along Huangpu River. The renowned waterfront district is the city's most famous landmark. The word BUND is of Anglo-India origin meaning embankment on the waterfront. It is also the popular site to enjoy the night view of the city.

Shanghai offers colorful recreations with rich contents and creative form. Your night may be filled with an interactive old form of art known as the Acrobatics. Those professional performers have been trained of as early as age six or seven so that they can play so well and excellent. It definitely will be an unforgettable night in your memory.
 

Day 15

Departure Shanghai
Your China Experience is over all too soon as you transfer to the airport and board the homebound international flight, bidding a fond farewell to this ancient land.
Meals: Breakfast

Service Ends